Question 1

Our 18+ Policy & The Solution for Parents

Accepted Answer

River Riders is an adult-oriented experience. The content, music, and environment are designed for an adult audience. The Policy: Entry is restricted to those aged 18 and over.

We are aware that not all of our parents have a solution.
Everything you need to know about coming with your children can be found right here 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HatMpwWqddY5UiIf6A1kgmTPIogIz5XXW2E31qOegzg/edit?usp=sharing

Question 2

The Essentials: Your Riverside Home

Accepted Answer

The River Alva: Direct access to the refreshing waters of the river throughout the entire gathering. Comfort & Care: Access to showers and clean drinking water. Stay & Connectivity: The Heart of the Camp and the warmth of the central evening fireplace. Nature First: A plastic-free, 'Leave No Trace' environment designed to protect the land we celebrate on.

Question 3

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR PASS?

Accepted Answer

Free camping and free campervan parking (without water & electricity connection)

Question 4

The Experience: High & Flow

Accepted Answer

A Curated Musical Odyssey: A hand-picked lineup of international artists delivering a deep and intentional musical journey across 4 days. The Gathering Grounds: set in a raw and stunning riverside environment. Workshops Beyond the Ordinary: A selection of high-quality, intimate sessions led by professional facilitators, focusing on movement, growth, and connection. The Healing: Access to our dedicated wellness space for grounding and quiet reflection. (Note: 1-on-1 private treatments are available for an additional fee and can be booked on-site or in advance). Art & Expression: An environment rich in visual storytelling, creative installations, and natural beauty. A Diverse Global Tribe: Join a conscious community of souls from all paths and backgrounds, coming together as one.

Question 5

About the food

Accepted Answer

All the food that will await you at the food stands is healthy, fresh and vegetarian.
You are invited to enjoy delicious, nutritious food at friendly prices.

It is recommended to bring your own reusable utensils because the gathering advocates against the use of any type of disposable utensils.

Question 6

Public Transportation

Accepted Answer

The best public transport option to get directly to São Martinho da Cortiça (or its immediate vicinity) is by bus. The closest major long-distance transit hub is Moita da Serra, located about 8 kilometres away, which serves as the primary connection point.
 [1, 2]

Direct national connections are operated by Rede Expressos, while local connections within the district are operated by the SIT Região de Coimbra network. [1, 2]
Taxi/Rideshare (e.g., Uber): Taking an Uber or local taxi from Moita da Serra to São Martinho da Cortiça is a viable and efficient "last mile" option. The estimated cost for this trip is approximately 10 euros.

📅 Thursday (Arrival Options)

From Coimbra (Direct & Closest)
Option 1: Direct Regional Bus (Line 229 / Intermunicipal)
Route: Departs from Coimbra (Portagem / Ladeira das Alpenduradas) directly to Vale de São Martinho - Crzt.
Schedule: Runs 3 times a day on weekdays.
Duration: ~1 hour 28 minutes.
Option 2: Long-Distance + Local Transfer
Route: Take a Rede Expressos bus heading towards Gouveia or Arganil and alight at Moita da Serra. Transfer to a local SIT bus (e.g., Line 250) to São Martinho da Cortiça.
Schedule: Long-distance buses leave Coimbra at 09:30, 13:30, 18:15, 19:00, and 21:30.
Duration: ~35 minutes to Moita da Serra, plus transfer. [1, 2, 4]

From Lisbon
Express Bus (Direct to Moita da Serra)
Route: Take the Rede Expressos coach from Lisbon Sete Rios directly to Moita da Serra. From Moita da Serra, take a short local bus or taxi to São Martinho da Cortiça.
Schedule: On Thursdays, standard weekday timetables apply (usually morning and afternoon options).
Duration: ~4 hours.
Train + Bus Combo
Route: Take a Comboios de Portugal Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train from Lisbon Oriente to Coimbra-B. Transfer to the Coimbra bus terminal for the regional connections listed above. [1, 2, 4]
From Porto
Bus Combo (via Coimbra)
Route: Take a Rede Expressos or FlixBus coach from Porto Campanhã to Coimbra Terminal. Transfer to either the regional direct bus or the express bus to Moita da Serra.
Schedule: Buses from Porto to Coimbra depart every 30 minutes.
Duration: ~1 hour 20 minutes to Coimbra, then ~1 hour 30 minutes onward. [1, 2]

📅 Monday (Departure Options)

Regional and national transit schedules in Portugal change significantly between weekdays (Monday) and weekends (Sunday). Monday follows standard weekday operations. [1, 2]
To Coimbra
Direct Regional Bus: Regional SIT buses leave São Martinho da Cortiça early in the morning (typically a commuter line around 07:05) heading back to Coimbra.
Via Moita da Serra: Take a local morning taxi/bus to Moita da Serra. Long-distance Rede Expressos buses to Coimbra depart throughout the day on weekdays. [1, 2]
To Lisbon
Express Bus: Take a local connection to Moita da Serra. Catch the morning or afternoon Rede Expressos service returning directly to Lisbon Sete Rios. [1]
To Porto
Bus Combo: Catch the regional bus or Moita da Serra express to Coimbra. From Coimbra, transfer to the frequent shuttle buses returning to Porto Campanhã. []

💡 Pro-Tips for this Route

Booking: Long-distance tickets from Lisbon/Porto to Moita da Serra should be booked in advance via the official Rede Expressos Website, Flixbus or train.
Local Tickets: Tickets for the regional buses (SIT Região de Coimbra) cannot be booked online and must be purchased directly from the driver.
The "São Martinho" Trap: Be careful not to confuse São Martinho da Cortiça (near Arganil/Coimbra) with São Martinho do Porto (a popular beach town further south), as search engines frequently mix up the ticketing options. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Important Logistics Note
Regional Transit: Public transport within the Coimbra region (SIT Região de Coimbra) does not have static, year-round "fixed" timetables in the same way as national long-distance carriers. You must check the official SIT RC website for your specific route (Arganil direction) closer to the date.
 sit-regiaodecoimbra.pt

On-Demand Alternative: If standard bus times do not fit your schedule, the SIT FLEX service is available. You can book rides by calling 800 200 201
(Mon–Fri, 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–17:30) at least one day in advance.
 www.cim-regiaodecoimbra.pt

1. Thursday, July 30, 2026 (Arrival)
Lisbon (Sete Rios) to Moita da Serra (Rede Expressos)
06:00 → 09:05
 www.omio.com
07:00 → 10:05
Note: There are approximately 9 daily departures between 04:25 and 18:45.

Coimbra to São Martinho da Cortiça (SIT Região de Coimbra)
Frequency: Buses typically depart from Coimbra (Ladeira das Alpenduradas/Terminal) to the Vale de São Martinho area 3 times per day.
 www.rome2rio.com
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes.
 www.rome2rio.com
Recommendation: Check the specific "Arganil" line schedules on the SIT RC portal.
 sit-regiaodecoimbra.pt

2. Monday, August 3, 2026 (Departure)
Moita da Serra to Lisbon (Rede Expressos)
15:05 → 18:20
 www.omio.com
16:05 → 19:20
Note: There are approximately 10 daily departures, with the last bus typically around 18:45.
São Martinho da Cortiça to Coimbra (SIT Região de Coimbra)
Frequency: Regional services generally follow a weekday commuter schedule.
 www.rome2rio.com
Planning: As there is no "fixed" public online timetable, use the SIT FLEX on-demand service if the morning commuter buses do not align with your departure needs.
 www.cim-regiaodecoimbra.pt

💡 Pro-Tips for Your Logistics
sit-regiaodecoimbra.pt+ 3
Avoid the "São Martinho" Trap: Double-check your destination. Ensure your ticket is for São Martinho da Cortiça (near Arganil) and not São Martinho do Porto, which is a popular coastal destination and a common source of travel errors.
 www.omio.com
Porto Connections: There is no direct bus from Porto to São Martinho da Cortiça. You must take a bus or train to Coimbra and then transfer to the local SIT bus or a taxi.
 www.rome2rio.com

Booking: Always book your tickets in advance online to secure your seat. For the final "last mile" leg, be prepared to pay the driver in cash or use the SIT FLEX booking system.
 www.rome2rio.com+ 1

Question 7

River Bar

Accepted Answer

Our bar will be open near the dance floor and during all music  hours
A team of courteous and professional bartenders ready to serve you 
Cold drinks at friendly prices:

Draft beers
Refreshing  drinks  &  riders cocktails
And many more surprises and treats.

Question 8

No Pets Policy

Accepted Answer

We love animals, but for the safety of our guests and the local wildlife, pets are not allowed at the gathering. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Question 9

Cancellation Policy

Accepted Answer

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows: Up to 30 days before the event: Full refund minus a 12% processing fee 14 to 30 days before the event: 50% refund Less than 14 days before the event: No refunds will be issued

Question 10

Nature First: Our Environmental Pledge

Accepted Answer

River Riders is a Leave No Trace gathering. We celebrate with nature, not at its expense 🌱 Solar-Powered Sound: Our high-fidelity sound system runs on 100% Solar Energy ☀️ Zero Plastic Policy: No single-use plastics or disposables are allowed Eco-Bar & Kitchen: Drinks are served in reusable cups only; all food packaging is 100% compostable🌱 Waste Management: Please use our dedicated recycling and separation stations Your Part: Minimize waste, avoid bringing disposables, and help us keep the river wild. Respect the land, love the tribe

GOOD TO KNOW